New Jersey § 2a:156a-4
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2a:156a-4, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2a:156a-4.
It shall not be unlawful under this act for: a. An operator of a switchboard, or an officer, agent or employee of a provider of
wire or electronic communication service, whose facilities are used in the transmission
of a wire or electronic communication, to intercept, disclose or use that communication
in the normal course of his employment while engaged in any activity which is a necessary
incident to the rendition of his service or to the protection of the rights or property
of the provider of that service. No provider of wire or electronic communication service shall utilize service observing
or random monitoring except for mechanical or service quality control checks; b. Any investigative or law enforcement officer to intercept a wire, electronic or
oral communication, where such officer is a party to the communication or where another
officer who is a party to the communication requests or requires him to make such
interception; c. Any person acting at the direction of an investigative or law enforcement officer
to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication, where such person is a party
to the communication or one of the parties to the communication has given prior consent
to such interception; provided, however, that no such interception shall be made without the prior approval of the Attorney General or his designee or a county prosecutor or his designee ; d. A person not acting under color of law to intercept a wire, electronic or oral
communication, where such person is a party to the communication or one of the parties
to the communication has given prior consent to such interception unless such communication
is intercepted or used for the purpose of committing any criminal or tortious act
in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State or
for the purpose of committing any other injurious act. The fact that such person is the subscriber to a particular telephone does not constitute
consent effective to authorize interception of communications among parties not including
such person on that telephone. Any person who unlawfully intercepts or uses such communication as provided in this
paragraph shall be subject to the civil liability established in section 24 of P.L.1968,
c. 409 ( C.2A:156A-24 ), in addition to any other criminal or civil liability imposed by law; e. Any person to intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic
communication system that is configured so that such electronic communication is readily
accessible to the general public; f. Any person to intercept any radio communication which is transmitted: (1) by any station for the use of the general public, or that relates to ships, aircraft,
vehicles, or persons in distress; (2) by any governmental, law enforcement, civil defense, private land mobile, or public
safety communication system, including police and fire, readily accessible to the
general public; (3) by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the bands allocated to
the amateur, citizens band, or general mobile radio services; or (4) by any marine or aeronautical communications system; g. Any person to engage in any conduct which: (1) is prohibited by section 633 of the Communications Act of 1934; or (2) is excepted from the application of section 705(a) of the Communications Act of
1934 by section 705(b) of that Act; h. Any person to intercept any wire or electronic communication the transmission of
which is causing harmful interference to any lawfully operating station or consumer
electronic equipment, to the extent necessary to identify the source of such interference;
or for other users of the same frequency to intercept any radio communication made
through a system that utilizes frequencies monitored by individuals engaged in the
provision or the use of such system, if such communication is not scrambled or encrypted;
or i. A provider of electronic communication service to record the fact that a wire or electronic communication
was initiated or completed in order to protect such provider, another provider furnishing
service toward the completion of the wire or electronic communication, or a user of
that service, from fraudulent, unlawful or abusive use of such service.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2a:156a-4
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2a:156a-4 cover?
Section 2a:156a-4 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 2a:156a-4?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2a:156a-4" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 2a:156a-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.